Paris, France is one of the world's top tourist destinations. It is home to the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles and so much more. Paris is a cosmopolitan town that is often referred to as the "City of Love" and the "City of Lights." If you are traveling to Paris, a little preparation can go a long way in making sure you have a safe and happy journey. This article will tell you how to prepare for a trip to Paris.

Steps

Part 1

Getting basic travel needs in order

1

Apply for a passport in your home country at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. For entry into France, your passport must be valid for at least 90 days after your date of departure.

You will most likely be required to pay a fee and turn in an application with a picture and ID.

You may be able to apply for an expedited passport that may take approximately 2 weeks to receive, but will cost more money.

2

Apply for a French visa, if necessary. Residents of the United States and Mexico do not need a visa if they plan to stay less than 90 days.

Some European citizens may need a Visa C or "Schengen Visa." Citizens of many countries outside of Europe may need to make an appointment with the local consulate to apply for a visa.

3

Make sure you have had routine immunizations. Although these are not strictly required for France in particular, influenza, chickenpox, polio, measles/mumps/rubella and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus should be current before visiting another country. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or medical records.

4

Apply for health insurance that will cover your trip, if necessary. Although France's medical system is nationalized and friendly to visitors, it is a good idea to be sure you have coverage in other countries and during your travel.

Part 2

Preparing for France

1

Make hotel reservations in advance, especially if you plan to travel between July 14th and August 31, when many French people leave for vacation.

2

Buy a Eurail pass or other train passes ahead of time, if you intend to take the train to other countries. Check the Eurail, Rail Europe and Rail France websites 6 months ahead of time to see if you can qualify for discounts on certain dates or for buying advance tickets.

3

Learn simple French phrases for polite conversation, making reservations and getting directions. Foreign languages are widely spoken in Paris, but if you want to go outside of Paris, simple phrases are important to avoid getting lost. Buy a French phrase book to bring along on your trip.

4

Buy a converter if you are going to Paris from a country outside of Europe. Most of France uses 220 to 230 volts, but occasionally some plugs run on 110 to 115 volts. Buy a universal converter that will work on both plugs.

5

Decide how you plan to call your home country from Paris. Check with your cell phone company to see if they offer service and to find out their rates. You can get a French phone chip to put in your current phone, buy calling codes in your home country, or buy calling cards when you get to France.

Part 3

Prior to leaving home

1

Exchange your local currency for approximately 50 to 100 euros so that you can pay for the cost of a cab from the airport or other expenses you may incur on the day of your arrival. France is often considered an expensive country to visit, so be prepared.

You can easily get the rest of your money by using an ATM card with a pin number. You will get the current exchange rate on the day of your transaction.

It is a good idea not to avoid keeping more than 200 euros on your person, unless you are expecting a larger purchase, in case of theft.

2

Call your bank to tell them you will be overseas. Many credit and debit card companies will cancel or suspend cards that are being used outside of your country.

3

Submit your emergency contact information and travel dates to your country's embassy. If you lose your passport or are the victim of a crime, they will be able to help you.

4

Leave expensive jewelry or flashy electronics at home. Paris has its share of pick-pockets, like all cities and tourist attractions. Avoid flashing money or merchandise to avoid being a target.

5

Leave your itinerary, passport and visa photos with a good friend or family member, in case you lose your passport or need other help.

6

Forward your mail a few days before you go.

7

Set off on your trip to Paris!

Part 4

Packing

1

Check the weather and pack accordingly. Include a light rain jacket and layers. Also leave space for the lovely clothes and accessories you'll buy in Paris to bring back home.

Choose good walking shoes. Paris will tempt you to walk long distances. Throw in some daintier shoes for dinners and shows but rely heavily on those walking shoes to keep your feet comfortable during the day.

2

Include enough medication for the entire length of your stay. Keep it in the original bottles. It can also be useful to have a doctor's letter if you have any concerns about being questioned over the medication.

3

Include a small phrase book. While you might have an "app" for that, a phrase book can be invaluable for those moments when you forgot to charge the phone or for ease of finding the right phrase quickly. It's also less likely to be a thief-magnet.

4

Pack your digital devices. A smartphone, a camera, a tablet, etc. can all come in handy while traveling.

If this question (or a similar one) is answered twice in this section, please click here to let us know.

Video

Tips

If you need to store luggage or heavy items while in Paris, try the new City-Locker concept. It means you can leave your luggage while squeezing in those last hours before heading back to the airport. These are booked in advance and can be a much safer bet than the often unavailable train station lockers.